Theo can’t wait. His thoughts are on one thing – a Holy Grail of sorts at The Genesis Project – a brand new bicycle. He’s imagining that feeling of freedom while riding down the hill, across the recreational play pad, then skidding to a dramatic stop in the grass near the playground. He sees the great time other kids are having on their bikes and wants to join the ride.
For decades, The Genesis Project has honored a long-standing tradition of providing new bicycles for boys – their very own bikes they can keep forever.
“There’s nothing like the joy of seeing a kid get to choose his own bike, then get on top to ride it,” said Scott Coppenbarger, executive director. “Theo’s accomplishing a big milestone in his progression at Genesis.”
That milestone has one condition: Theo must pass orientation.
Orientation consists of learning Genesis’ address and phone number, creating a safety plan to use when behaviors become elevated, learning the daily routine like making beds, eating breakfast, and learning staff names and roles. It’s the kickoff to our program that teaches basic life skills and offers opportunities the boys may have never imagined.
“Basic life skills enhance their quality of life because they can use them throughout their whole lives. It’s learning how to cook spaghetti, or wear appropriate clothes, or how to communicate effectively with others,” said Kalia Briggs, recreation coordinator. “The goal is to set the boys up for success when they leave our community.”
“It’s good to know the information if I get lost. If you are at the fair or at the mall and you lose a parent or staff, then you know the Genesis phone number by heart,” Theo said.
Orientation is just the beginning. Genesis strives to provide hope and possibilities by introducing skills, activities, and opportunities they may not know about.
Much of that is achieved through recreational outings, such as field trips to parks, the fire department, water parks, skating rinks, volunteering in the community, or investigating a child’s interests for potential hobbies.
“By identifying hobbies that meet individual interests, a child has possibilities. This provides pathways to hope – which can be challenging for our boys because they have had so many barriers. You can imagine how difficult hope may seem to a child whose parents’ rights have been terminated due to abuse or neglect,” Briggs said.
The community is a great support in these efforts. For instance, Jones High School’s Kiwanis Key Club invited our boys to the city fishing derby and hosted them at the annual Fourth of July parade this year. A volunteer from the Rotary Club of Edmond has helped the boys learn how to grow and take care of gardens on our property.
“The more we can get the community involved, the more possibilities they have," Coppenbarger said.
Recently, to enhance efforts toward providing individualized support, Genesis began an effort called Campus Cares during which a child can spend personal time with a staff member by going on an outing of their choice. This gives the child personal attention while learning how to manage their behaviors in a public setting.
These efforts appear to be working. Each quarter, The Genesis Project surveys the boys with a scientific tool that measures a child’s hope. During the last four quarters, more than 90% have either gained or maintained their levels of hope.
For Theo, that hope begins with a bike—a greater chance for riding a smoother journey through life.
